Differentiating Reading Instruction for Advanced Learners (K-8) – You’ve Got This!

Differentiating Reading Instruction for Advanced Learners (K-8) – You’ve Got This!

Instruction is often based on what is most appropriate for the learning needs of on-grade-level content and skills. The gifted and advanced learner, however, requires changes to pacing, level of curriculum, and cognitive demand to match their readiness. This "take out" is filled with varied strategies, both simple and complex, for differentiating reading. Come to gain ideas, from the presentation and in collaboration with other participants, and leave with an expanded instructional toolbox to create respectful tasks that increase engagement, enhance the learning environment and deepen all your students' growth.

Facilitated by Diana Rea

Diana Rea is currently the Curriculum Director for Du Quoin Community Unit Schools, District 300. She also served the district as elementary principal from 2014 - 2021, and was awarded the Elementary Principal of the Year - Egyptian Region in 2020. Prior to her current position, she served in a previous district as the coordinator for gifted programming, expanding programming and acceleration options to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students from diverse areas and backgrounds. Mrs. Rea also served as an instructional coach where she co-organized and implemented professional development and coaching strategies to support 1:1 technology integration. Her experience includes teaching gifted in Mississippi, Georgia and Illinois.

Mrs. Rea has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. She holds the gifted teacher endorsement and is currently working on a Ed.S degree with specialization in gifted education and curriculum from the University of Virginia.

Mrs. Rea has presented at several conference including the IAGC, ESSA, NCLB, and IRC conferences. She is passionate about advancing gifted programming through professional development for educators, administrators and families in the areas of programming, differentiated instruction and social-emotional learning.